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A Novel Clinical Grade Isolation Method for Human Kidney Perivascular Stromal Cells
Published on: August 7, 2017
Is there such a thing as a renal stem cell?
Melissa H Little1, John F Bertram
1Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia. m.little@uq.edu.au
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN
|August 29, 2009
Summary
The existence of adult stem cells in the mature kidney for regenerative medicine is under investigation. Current evidence is insufficient to confirm their presence, prompting further research into their properties for kidney repair.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Growing interest in adult stem cells for regenerative medicine.
- Numerous studies aim to identify endogenous renal stem cells in mature mammalian kidneys.
- Previous identification approaches include physical location, cell surface markers, and functional properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sufficiency of current evidence for the existence of renal stem cells.
- To explore the properties required for renal stem cells in kidney repair.
- To critically assess the ongoing quest for renal stem cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on renal stem cell research.
- Analysis of evidence regarding clonogenicity and renal potential.
- Examination of recent findings on podocyte regeneration from Bowman's capsule populations.
Main Results:
- Proof of clonogenicity or renal potential remains questionable for identified cell populations.
- Few endogenous renal stem cell populations have been characterized in humans.
- Recent evidence suggests podocyte regeneration from Bowman's capsule, revitalizing the search.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence is insufficient to definitively conclude the existence of endogenous renal stem cells.
- Further research is needed to characterize these cells and their potential for kidney repair.
- Defining the ideal properties for renal stem cells is crucial for regenerative medicine applications.
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